Close Order - in the Ranks

For confronting the enemy, this is the preferred spacing in the
ranks. The soldiers are concentrated into a unified front to
face the attack - or to make the attack. No longer are there
individual soldiers but a single force. The close spacing
between each does not permit any enemy to penetrate the unit without
a hard fight.

Close order may also be useful for narrowing ranks to
fit a column on a thin stretch of road during the march or through a crowded area, such as camp,
a throng of thrilled spectators or the entrance of a beer tent.

On the definition of what constitutes 'Close Order,' if you wish a little diversion as well as fodder for discussion
with friends (or argument with not-really friends), then
detour here.